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Household hazardous waste in Swampscott, MA

Cans of oil-based paint, a propane cylinder, a motor oil jug and old batteries in a plastic bin on a garage floor

The events and the other options

The next HHW drop-off event was scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 9am to 12pm, a joint event with Marblehead located in Marblehead. That date is past, and the page has no replacement. It says dates, registration links and fees are posted there and through the town's communication channels as they become available.

Until then, the town names three other places: NEDT in Sutton, Clean Harbors in Braintree, and Minuteman in Lexington. The page recommends checking each one's website first, since fees, hours and who may use them differ. Do not drive to Minuteman without checking that Swampscott residents are accepted.

Items with a standing drop-off

Some of what people call hazardous waste has a year-round home in town. Household fluorescent bulbs (CFL and up to 4 feet), rechargeable batteries under 2 pounds, mercury switches, thermostats and thermometers go to the 3rd floor collection area in Town Hall. The Health Department, at 781-596-8864, handles bulbs longer than 4 feet.

For old medications, the town points to DEA take-back days, to the Swampscott Police station, which often participates, and to pharmacy desks.

The monthly DPW Yard metal drop-off takes empty or dry paint cans, but not hazardous waste, light bulbs or rechargeable batteries. Full paint cans, stain, solvents, oil and propane wait for an event.

What to do with the garage while you wait

Keep products in their original containers with the labels on, do not mix them, and do not pour anything down a drain or put it in the trash.

JUNKRUN cannot take paint, chemicals, propane tanks or asbestos. What we do take is everything around them: the shelving, the old workbench, the broken lawn furniture, the water heater and the boxes. A quarter trailer is $209 and a standard appliance $119, with a $159 minimum. Set the hazardous items aside before we arrive. Checked November 2026.

Where Swampscott hazardous items go

ItemWhereWhen
Oil-based paint, solvents, pesticidesHHW event or NEDT, Clean Harbors, MinutemanNext event not posted
CFL and fluorescent bulbs up to 4 ftTown Hall, 3rd floorDuring Town Hall hours
Fluorescent bulbs over 4 ftHealth Department, 781-596-8864Call first
Rechargeable batteries under 2 lbsTown Hall, 3rd floorDuring Town Hall hours
Mercury thermometers, thermostats, switchesTown Hall, 3rd floorDuring Town Hall hours
Old medicationsSwampscott Police or a pharmacy deskCall the station first
Empty or dry paint cans, propane tanks (empty)DPW Yard metal drop-offLast Saturday of the month

Local resources in Swampscott

Donation, reuse and recycling options near the pickup. We are not affiliated with these; confirm hours and what they accept before you go.

Quick answers

When is hazardous waste day in Swampscott?

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The last event was October 7, 2026 in Marblehead. The next date is not posted yet.

Where can I take paint in Swampscott?

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To a hazardous waste event, or to a facility such as NEDT, Clean Harbors or Minuteman after checking their rules.

Where do I take old light bulbs in Swampscott?

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CFL and fluorescent bulbs up to 4 feet go to the 3rd floor of Town Hall.

Can I put batteries in the trash?

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No. Rechargeable batteries under 2 pounds go to Town Hall's 3rd floor collection area.

Sources

Rules, fees and hours change, so confirm with Swampscott before you go.

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